Heartfelt tributes to 'true professional and gentleman' following death of Highland News & Media photographer Gary Anthony aged 58
Heartfelt tributes have poured in from people far and wide following the death of talented and popular Highland News & Media photographer Gary Anthony.
They include the thoughts and memories of politicians, former colleagues and people across the Inverness community who met the multi award-winning lensman as he went about his work whether it was being on the front line as news events unfolded or capturing day-to-day life.
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Gary, who had worked in the industry for 40 years, died aged 58 after a long illness.
Those paying tribute include Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes – also former Cabinet Secretary for Finance in the Scottish Government.
"Heartbroken to hear of the death of Gary Anthony, a photographer who I regularly had the privilege of working with all over the Highlands," she said on social media.
"He was always accommodating of every eventuality and up for a chat in the margins of every event. He will be sorely missed."
Former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Sir Danny Alexander, who was MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey from 2005 to 2015 also paid tribute.
"Very sad indeed to hear of the passing of Gary Anthony," he said.
"He was a gentleman and a true professional who captured many striking images of life in the Highlands."
Sir Danny was the subject of a striking award-winning photograph which also included Alistair Darling.
The silhouetted image of the two men launching the local Better Together campaign at a business breakfast in Inverness won Gary the Top Shot of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards in 2014.
It was the year Gary won a hat trick of awards, also scooping the prestigious Journalist of the Year gong along with Photographer of the Year.
Others posting tributes on social media included Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans.
"I am very saddened by this," he said. "Gary was a great person who always demonstrated great humour and professionalism. Gary will be missed by many. My thoughts are with his family."
Nicola McAlley, STV Highlands and Islands reporter and also the new chairwoman of the Highlands and Islands Media Awards. said: "Gary was a lovely man, he will be greatly missed by many."
Former colleagues described him as an incredibly talented photographer and recalled his laugh.
Olivia Bell reflected: "It was a pleasure to work with him. Calm, artistic, with ideas to turn a run of the mill story into something great because of his eye-catching image. A few quips at the right time that always made me smile."
Others recalled his patience when taking photographs.
"Gary was indeed a true gentleman and the patience of a saint when dealing with his photography subjects," said Vonnie Stevenson.
Lo Carson said: "Gary was so lovely. He came to take photos of the children and their exploits at Central. Such a friendly, patient and kind person."
Former Inverness events manager Gerry Reynolds said: "He was a wonderfully creative photographer and a pleasure to watch at work."
